FAQs

The Kingston Heritage Review (Victorian and Federation period places) looks at some of Kingston’s oldest buildings that don’t yet have heritage protection. Many of these places were nominated by community members. 

The review builds on earlier heritage work done in 2000, to make sure our historic places are properly identified and protected for the future. You can view these documents in the Document Library on this consultation page.

Community nominations began in 2020. Council appointed an independent heritage consultant to assess these sites. The consultant’s report – Kingston Heritage Review: Victorian and Federation period places – recommends 33 properties across Mentone, Mordialloc and Parkdale for heritage protection. 

Properties were nominated during Council’s 2020 community call for heritage places. Based on its historic or architectural features, an independent heritage consultant recommended it for further assessment. 

You can read the draft Heritage Review report in the Document Library to see why it is important. 

The State Government heritage criteria look at aspects such as historical importance, rarity, architecture, aesthetics, technical achievement and social significance. 

For more information about heritage assessments in Victoria, see Planning Practice note: PPNO1: Applying the Heritage Overlay (DELWP, August 2018).  

Each property’s citation explains how it was assessed and includes a statement of significance outlining why it is considered important. 

A statement of significance establishes the importance of a place and the heritage criteria used to assess the place. It summarises what’s significant about a place, how it’s significant, and why it is significant. 

A citation is a detailed report prepared by a qualified heritage consultant that explains the local significance of heritage places. It describes the property’s features, history and heritage values. 

A serial listing groups together properties that share a common history or design but are not side-by-side. 

In this review two serial listings are proposed: 

These homes share a common subdivision history and retain strong heritage character. 

The Kingston Thematic Environmental History (TEH) documents the historical development of our municipality. 

It provides important context for future identification, review and assessment of heritage places within Kingston. 

A copy of the TEH can be found in the Document Library. 

It means your property contributes to Kingston’s heritage and may be recommended for inclusion in a Heritage Overlay in the Planning Scheme. 

If that happens, you may need a planning permit for some external changes (like extensions or demolitions). This doesn’t stop you from renovating, it just means Council will help make sure any works respect your property’s heritage significance. 

More information about the permit requirements under the Heritage Overlay can be found at Clause 43.01-1 of the Kingston Planning Scheme.

Property values are influenced by many factors, including location, lot size, condition, market conditions and interest rates.  

Individual heritage qualities and architectural styles can make heritage properties more desirable (and valuable) to property owners and buyers. Heritage protection can also provide greater certainty to buyers that the heritage character of a neighbourhood will remain in place. 

No. A Heritage Overlay does not make your property open to the public; it remains privately owned and occupied. 

To add a property to the Heritage Overlay, Council must go through a formal planning scheme amendment process. 

This includes: 

If any proposed Heritage Overlay process proceeds, impacted property owners will be notified and have an opportunity to provide feedback. 

Not all nominated places met the threshold for local heritage significance. Some may have been too altered, lacked strong evidence of historical value, or were outside the Victorian/Federation focus of this review. 

Impacted property owners can request a one-on-one meeting with Council officers to answer any questions. Please email strategic.planning@kingston.vic.gov.au with your preferred dates and times or call 9581 4131. Our Strategic Planning team will then confirm your appointment.  

Council is now seeking feedback on the draft Heritage Review. 

After consultation closes (13 February 2026):